Spring arch support for shoes



June 20, 1950 J. E. LUDLAM SPRING ARCH SUPPORT FOR SHOES 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed July 24, 1948 IEIE E G 1mm TOR. b 4 W 9 1 41 W J BY 01 M w a June 20, 1950 J. E. LUDLAM 2,512,350

SPRING ARCH SUPPORT FOR SHOES Filed July 24, 1948 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 K 8 50 INV'LNTOR. 66a Jam q 6- QmD-(h'wv,

BY I m I\\\\\\\\\ I W Q ATTORNEY June 20, 1950 J. E. LUDLAM SPRING ARCH SUPPORT FOR SHOES Filed July 24, 1948 5 Shets-Sheet s y 7 INVENTOR. 0 8 and Yaw.

/ 2 23 Jew m0 A ITOR/VE June 20, 1950 J. E. LUDLAM 2,512,350

SPRING ARCH SUPPORT FOR SHOES Filed July 24, 1948 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 IN V EN TOR.

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ATTOR/V'Y June 20, 1950 J. E. LUDLAM 2,512,350

SPRING ARCH SUPPORT FOR SHOES Filed July 24, 1948 5 Sheets*Sheet 5 LVV EN TOR.

BY WV) ATTORIVfY Patented June 20, 1950 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE srmuo ARCH 51 3:3232 FOR snons Application July 24, 1948. SerialNo. 40,565 9 Claims. (01. 36-111 I My invention relates broadly to shoes and more particularly to an. improved construction of arch supports for shoes.

One of the objects of my invention is to provide an improved arch support including a semirigid support and slidable coacting spring supporting members associated therewith with means for supporting the slidable spring members intermediate the ends thereof.

Still another object of my invention is to provide an improved arch support including a semirigid supporting member with yieldable spring supports carried thereby and a transverse yieldable support. carried by the semi-rigid support and operating to support the yieldable spring supports.

A further object of my invention is to provide an improved arch support, including a semi-rigid supporting member which supports substantially longitudinally extending slidable and yieldable members in combination with a. lateral supporting member carried by the semi-rigid support and forming a support for the yieldable members intermediate the ends thereof.

Still another object of my invention is, to provide an improved arch support. proportioned to provide substantial support for the various arches of he oot clud ne a Substantially.longitudinal 1y extending yieldable arch with a laterally disposed supporting member carried by thearch and serving as a resilient reinforcement for the yieldable arch intermediate the ends thereof.

A still further object of my invention is to provide an arrangement of metatarsal supporting member for use in combination with a yieldable arch.

Another object of my invention is, to provide an improved construction of metatarsal support for. installation in shoes.

Other andfurther objects of my invention reside in the improved, construction and combination of a lon itudinal sprin arch suppor w h a laterally coacting sprin support therefor as set forth more. fully in the specification hereinafter following by reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic plan view of the skeletonized bones of the vfoot and illustratin in plan View the association of the improved arch of my invention therewith; Fig. 2 is a side elevational view showing one manner of installing the improved arch of my invention in a shoe for providing support for the arch of the foot wherein I have ill s rated he sk le oniz d arrang nt of the bones of the foot; Fi 3 is a plan view of.

the. improvedv arch of my invention looking at the bottom thereof Fig. v4 is a view similar to the plan-view of Fig. 3, but looking at the top of the arch; Fig. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view taken, substantially on line 5.-5 of Fig. 4; Fig. 6 is a, transverse. sectional view taken substantially on-line. beat of Fig... 4; Fig. 7. is. a transverse sectional view taken substantially on line T,--'l of Fig. 4; Fig. '8. is a. transverse sectional view taken substantially n line 8-4; of Fig. 4; Fig. 9 illustratesthe application of the principle of my invention to anarch support foruse in Women's shoes Fig. 10 is aschematicview illustrating the mariner of mounting the. arch support in a welttypeshoe; Fig. .11 is a transverse sectional view taken substantially on line l|-ll of. Fig. 10; Fig. 121s a; transverse sectional view taken substantially on line 1.2-4.2 of .Fig. 10;; Fig. 1.3. is a transverse, sectional view taken substantially on line lit- 13 of Fig. 10;. Fiat 1.4 is a, plan view l ust ing a modified form of the arch of my invention installed in a relatively narrow shoe in which a sewing operation may be performed relatively close-to. th longitudinal springs of the arch; Fig. 15-15 a. plan view. of the arch. of Fig. 14 wholly removed from the. shoe; Fig, 16 is a transverse sectional-view on line Iii-J6. of Fig. 15; Fig. 17 is a plan vievvof the blank used in e iorm. of. arch shown inFiss. is. .15. and 16, with the spr ngs removed. but showing he fastening holes y which the sprin s may be attached f r ot na rowand wide Width shoes and in which the arch is shapedior installation indiffer nt typ s o shoes such. as vulcanized. b er le h es o esular leather sh es; Fi .8 is a pl n view f a f rther modified form of arch embodying my invention in. which the reinforcin m ans. for the sem rigid portionof the arch extends intoclose proxunity to the mounting means for the longitudinally extending s ng of a Fi 19 shows a ifurther modified form of arch embodying my invention with a metatarsalsupporting member added thereto; Fig. 20 is a transverse sectional view taken substantially on line 2B.2il of Fig. 1.9; Fi 21. is a transverse sectional view taken substantially on line. ZI-2i of Fig. 19; Fig. 212 is a longitudinal sectional view taken substantially on line. 22-22 of,.Fig. 19; Fig. 23 is a longitudinal sectional view. takensubstantially on line 23-43 of, Fig. 19; Fig. .24 is a top plan view of the metatarsal supporting member which is added to the arch support of my invention; Fig. is a bottom plan view of the. metatarsal supporting member of 24; Fig.26 is a side elevational view of the metatarsal supporting member illustrated in Figs. 24 and 25;: Fig. 27 is a longitudinal sectional view taken substantially on line 2l--2l of Fig. 24; Fig. 218 is an end view of the metatarsal supporting member illustrated in Figs. 24-27 Fig. 29 is a transverse sectional view taken through the metatarsal supporting member substantially on line 29-29 of Fig. 24; Fig. 30 shows a further modified form of arch support embodyingmy invention in which the longitudinal springs are secured at their rearward ends and left free to move at their forward ends; and, Fig. 31 is a longitudinal sectional view taken substantially on line 3i3i of Fig. 30.

My invention is directed to an arch support constructed to support the various arches of the foot from heel to ball, the inner longitudinal arch, the outer longitudinal arch, the transverse arch and the metatarsal arch. The improved arch support is for use in the construction of welt shoes, but may be used in the construction of all types of shoes. It may also be made in'the form of a separate arch support to be inserted inside of a shoe. The outer longitudinal portion of the arch support of my invention will support the bones of the foot within the outer'longitudinal arch area of the foot, and the forepart of the arch support extends laterally at its forward portion inward toward and ending underthe first metatarsal bone of the foot, supporting all of the metatarsal bones. The arch support is semi-rigid and is preferably, but not necessarily, made of lightweight spring steel, and is intended to have a slight springing action under pressure of body weight. The arch support contains a sunken or downstruck rib extending from the heel portion throughout its almost entire length for reinforcing the support; or the said reinforcing rib may be discontinued at its partially forward end. The inner portion of the arch support is cut away to allow ample space for the mounting of a spring or a pair of coacting springs. The arch support may be made in various widths, according to the type of shoe into which it is incorporated, and as light in weight as possible, the object being to add as little weight as possible to the finished shoe. The springs orspring extend from the heel portion to the forward lateral arm portion under the inner longitudinal arch of the foot, with a slot at either end of said springs or spring. There is a hole drilled at either end of the outer'body at the inner side through which there are rivets which extend through the slots of said springs or spring and provide connecting means between the semi-rigid support and the springs. This method of construction allows free and complete yieldability through slidable action of said springs or, spring when the body weight is brought to bear on them. In the use of two springs, one is superimposed above the other which will act as a single unit, bringing perfect coordination in action. This construction is extremely beneficial to the arch muscles of the foot and to the complete springing action. By making the springs orspring with a slot at either end which will slide and yield downward freely in conjunction with rivets, and raised and shaped to meet every contour of the shape of the inner longitudinal arch of the foot, and placed, as far as possible within the insole of a shoe,.toward-the inner longitudinal portion of the foot, the arch serves to.

support a wider portion of the archof the foot. As an alternative form the springs .may bevfixed at one endand arranged to-slide at the otherend.

and ball, known as the shank portion of a shoe. This is particularly true in womens shoes. The inner longitudinal arch of the foot thus depends 'on the thin leather or cloth upper of the shoe almost entirely for support and with continuous walking on hard surfaces eventually lead to arch weakness, particularly in high heeled shoes. Therefore, I provide widened inner and outer soles at the shank or arch portion of shoes. This method of improved design not only will give greater support to the foot but in addition requires an arch support to raise and hold the inner shank portion of the shoe up to the foot which will prevent foot weakness during the life of the shoe.- This widening of the inner and outer soles is accomplished with carefully designed patterns, the width being added principally at the inner side to support, that is, the inner longitudinal arched portion of the foot. Therefore with this form of construction including the innersole and the inner longitudinal spring portion of the arch support of my invention, I provide for the foot a, greatly improved arch support by supporting the raised inner portion or inner longitudinal arch of the foot through slidable springing action. Furthermore, by making the springs or spring slotted at either end, I make allowance for an immediate and easy downward movement when the body weight is brought to bear on the foot with each step.

The inner longitudinal springs or spring of my arch support are highly tempered to give continued springing action and must be thin in order to give best results. Some breakage may occur through overtempering of the springs or spring, which past experience has proven must be anticipated. Therefore, in order to prevent such a condition, I place another lateral spring which is riveted with one or more rivets to the outer portion of the semi-rigid arch support at a position best suited to prevent breakage of the main inner longitudinal springs or spring, and placed primarily at the astragalo-scaphoid-cuneiform weight-bearing portion of my support. The said The inner soles and outer soles of manyv shoes.

are constructed quite narrow between the heel lateral spring extends inwardly under the main inner longitudinal springs or spring. This arrangement is believed to be unique, giving added support to the transverse arch of the foot and is very helpful in the prevention of breakage within thedelicate structure of the arch support of my invention.

In the natural manner of. walking, the heel first strikes the ground, has a tendency to roll inward, bringing the inner longitudinal arch of the foot downward with great pressure and ending with the foot rolling forward toward the toes, thus ending each step. In explanation of foot action, it is evident that as the heel first strikes the ground and pressure moves forward in the various parts of thefoot, the next portion of the foot to receive pressure is the astragalo-scaphoidcuneiform portion. Most shoes support the foot under the outer longitudinal arch portion,.but have a tendency to lower and lose their effectiveness of support after aperiod of time with continued wear unless a wider arch support is appliedunder the innersole when constructed to act as a continual support throughout the entire life of the shoe. It is here that I have designed my arch support wide enough to overcome any change in support during the life of the shoe, yet light enough in weight to yield slightly under body weight. 1 I

. Knowing that the foot ,has a tendency to roll inward somewhat with each step, bringing a the foot. With slots at either end of saidsprings.

orspring, the rear SIOtFSlidGS instantly as'pressure is first brought to bear-at this point. .As the vbody weight pressure carries forward along the springs, complete pressure is absorbed-by the yielding of the springs or spring wherein the slidable slot at the forward end carries off the completed action in movement. The lateral spring arm'at the forepart of thexouterlongr.

tudinal portion of my arch support gives support to the five metatarsal bones of'thefoot, "a permanent support during the entire life of the shoe. The high'point of support under the inner longitudinal archof the foot is at the astragaloscaphoid portion, which demands that the shaping of the springs or spring may be prefectly shaped to the foot at this portion by having them extend full length, and reinforced bythe'lateral or transverse spring. This construction will give extraordinary comfort to the wearer and com plete assurance of non-breakage during the entire life of the support. 7

In a standing barefoot position the outer longitudinal arch portion of the foot is the lower weight-bearing portion. The innerlongitudinal arch is much more muscular, however, and being highly arched does not touch the ground and naturally yields downwardly when the weight of the body is brought to bear'on'this arch. The bones of the foot are practically of a ball and socket formation, which construction allows for only a very slight yieldability within the tarsus portion of the foot, including the metatarsal bones. Supporting these bones, with slight yieldable action, are ligaments and also muscles which yield freely, proving conclusively that a spring support is necessary to the well being and general comfort of the foot,particularly a normal foot. The bones comprising the highportion of the foot'above the muscles of the inner longitudinal arch are the astragalus, scaphoid and cuneiform bones. The continual downward thrust of weight with each step at this particular portion of the arch, demands that the high curvature of the springs or spring of my support shall be at this portion of said springs. I have found a more perfect shaping of the springs or spring can be accomplished by having said springs or spring to extend full length bridging the cutaway portion and allowing same to rest on top of the outer supporting portion together with the extra lateral extension spring attached to the outer portion of my arch support, giving a safe and added support at approximately the astragalusscaphoid portion of the foot. I believe the design of my arch support, when incorporated within the arch portion of a shoe between the heel and ball functions perfectly with the natural spring action of the human foot, allowing a slight spring action under the outer longitudinal arch, a complete spring action under the high arched inner longitudinal arch and with added lateral spring action under the transverse arch.

Another desirable feature of my arch support is that by placing the longitudinally'extending springs or spring at the inner side of the foot and the outer supporting portion at the outer side of the foot, with the cutawayportion and the extra lateral spring-associated with the 1ongi-.

tudinally extending; springs insteadof-placingthe. spring portion directly :above a firm lower: por

tion, my archxsupport canvbe madenthin to act-- quire a perfect fitltfithe. innersole of: the shoe with no traisedizportion showing: after the outer. sole is stitchedand attached. art can: be readily incorporated during :manufacture of 1a shoe --by' not-having so much. depthtinthe shank, and therefore far rnore. comfortable in the wearing-of the finished shoe,.and also: by widening; mysup-g.

port it will support agreaterarea of thewidth of the arch of the; foot. Itis also very acceptable to the. manufacturer and economical in produc tion', .thereby.adding very little-extra cost to the finished shoe. When made in the construction ofashoe requiring special support,.:or'when.made as a. separateiarch "support: to be inserted into: a

shoe,. :rny support-maybe .made' of heavier. and stronger: (materials. and s also in various shapes and contours. This supportzis of 'g'reat benefit also in the-.makingzof. shoes of orthopedic.- design by. springing'the foot which: automatically helps in restoring.weakenedamuscles.

Where J narrow. insole patterns are employed according 'to the principles iofimy ainventionsthe longitudinally. extending. springs are supported closer to the: main body of athe-semi rig'id support.

The shape of vthe'heel portion or my support may be .variedin orderitogive the best results in attaching the support to the various typeswof heels used in the:..manufacture- .of all types of shoes. I may shape thewforepart of 'my support longer at the forward end at'the inner side'under the first mentioned bone and :graduate sameto a shorterportion: at the outer; side, or it may be equalized. atthe forepartaccording to the width of. support used and thewidth of shoes into which:

same is incorporated.

I. may also. make theaspringss or spring curved in shape under the inner-longitudinal arch to more readily follow the curved: line of the innersole and outersole of shoes; particularly in womens shoes where lesser space in narrow Width is. available. 1

I also provide a metatarsal support whichis readily attachable-to the frame structureof the spring arch of my invention. The metatarsal support is formed from metal or plastic or rubber or leather or any desired material and shaped .to provide adequate support for'theball of the foot.

Referring to the drawingswin detail, reference character I designates ashoe'which encloses the foot, which is shown in a skeletonized View. as embodyingthe oalcaneus 2, the. astragalus-3, the tibia 4, the scaphoid -i, thelinternalcuneiform 6,. the metatarsal l, and the phalanx bones ii. The various tendons and muscles which must be supported by the archsupport of my invention have not been shown. The insole of'the shoe l is designated at! in superimposed relation with respect to theoutersole' ID.

The arch support is shown at .l l and in the arrangement illustrated-in Figs. 1, 2, and 10-14. The arch support is built in as an "integral part of the shoe." It will be-understood, however, that:

the arch support of my invention may be readily applied as an insert in-the shoe. port II is vstampedfrom sheet metal and comprises a longitudinallyextendingplate portion [2 which is strengthened. by a downstruck longitudinally extending rib*'l4. The. longitudinally The arch-sup-- amaesosupporting. portionl extends forwardly in an angular direction away from the longitudinally extending plate portion [2 beyond the longitudinal axis of the arch support in an unsymmetrical form, while the calcaneus supporting portion I6 is symmetrically formed with respect to the longitudinal axis of the arch support. The metatarsal supporting portion l5 andthe calcaneus supporting portion I6 are both connected through curved connecting portions with the longitudinally extending plate portion [2.

Thus, an arch support is provided having a longitudinally extending plate portion 12 at one side with an unsymmetrical metatarsal supporting portion l5 projecting from the side of one end thereof and a calcaneus supporting portion [6 of symmetrical contour extending from the. side of the other end thereof. Two spaced supporting areas are thus provided at 15c and 16a, and across those supporting areas I arrange a longitudinally extending spring device represented generally at IT. JIhelongitudinally extending spring device H in the form of my invention illustrated in Figs. 1-7 comprises a pair of coacting resilient spring strips. l8 and 19 arranged in superimposed relation and each provided with aligned longitudinally extending slots at opposite ends thereof.

In the form ofmy. invention illustrated in Figs. 1-8, strip I8 is slotted at 18a. and [812, while strip I9 is slotted at I54: and I911. Rivet members 20 and 21 extend through the supporting area |5a and Ilia, respectively, and through the aligned slots l8a--|9a and IBb-lSb, respectively, and are headed over to secure the rivets solid to the arch support and in such relation to the strip members l8 and 19 as will allow the strip members 18 and ltto slide at opposite ends thereof simultaneously with a yielding movement in a vertical direction which is permitted by the flexible assembly which I have-shown. The spring strips 18 and I9 are disposed on an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the arch support, the

angle diverging from a center substantially beyond the calcaneus supporting portion I6.

In a position intermediate the enlarged ends of the plate member [2 which constitute the metatarsal supporting portion I5 and the calcaneus supportingportion l6, I mount a transversely extending spring strip-22 on the plate portion l2. I select the point of support'for the transversely extending spring strip 22 at 23 on the longitudinally extending plate portion l2-intermediate themeta tarsal supporting'portion li and the calcaneus supporting portionl B. The proper positioning of spring strip 22 in the structure of my invention is highly important, and as represented in Fig. 2 this strip is located in a position immediately below spring strips l8 and!!! in alignment with the juncture of the astragalus 3 and the scaphoid 5. By locating the transverse strip 22 in this vital position I have found that very substantial comfort is imparted to the footand fatigue is appreciably lessened. The transverse strip 22 forms a cantilever sprin'g'support at 23 and ex tends beneath the superimposed spring strips 18 and i9. Sufficient yieldability is possessed by spring strip 22 to allow spring strips l8 and it to yield upwardly and downwardly, and yet a sufficient limitation orres'traint is imparted to the yieldability of strips l8 and M9 to maintain proper support for the bones of the foot in the vital positions requiring support. The transverse strip 22 passes over the recess provided at M in plate portion l2 andis further supported by the ledge at 12c coextensive-with plateportlon l2; The

8 3 calcaneus supporting portion [6 is provided with apertures 24 through which connections are made to the shoe.

In'Fig; 9 I have illustrated the application of p the principle ofmy invention to an arch support for use in womens shoes, wherein the arch support is elongated in contour as represented at 25 having an. unsymmetrical metatarsal supporting portion .26 extending from the end of one side thereof and the substantially symmetrical calcaneus supporting .portion 21 extending from the opposite end of the same side thereof. The calcaneous supporting portion 21 is slotted at the .end thereof as represented at 210. to facilitate the securing of the arch support over the heelof a womens-shoe. In this construction the spring members corresponding to springs l8 and I9 heretofore described are represented at 28 and are curved outwardly as represented at 28c before reaching the point of support in order to meet-the requirements encountered in relatively narrow shoes. nection is provided for the end spring strips 28 with the metatarsal supporting portion 28, at 28, and with the calcaneus supporting portion 21, at 39. The arch support is strengthened by a longitudinally extending rib 3| in the plate portion 25. The transversely disposed resilient levermember 32 extends under the sets of springs 28 and is connected at 33 with the plate portion 25 and functions in 'a' manner similar to the spring strip 22 described in connection with Figs.

FigsiO-li; more clearly illustrate the application of the arch support of my invention to a welt-type shoe. I have indicated the shoe as having insole 9 sewed to the upper 34 and stitched to the welt 35 which connects to the outersole H]. The arch support is of such width that it fits between the stitched edges of the insole 9, upper 34 and welt 35 when secured in position .by fastening means 23 driven into heel 36. The arch support clears the edges of the insole 9, the upper 34 and the welt 35 sufficiently to allow springs l8 and I9 to yield without obstruction in the edges of the insole, the upper or the welt. The transversely extending yieldable lever 22 is also free to move to allow sustaining the springs 18 and IQ. A yieldable filling of selected material, such as cork, felt, or synthetic material 31, is provided as a cushioning means for the arch support between the arch support and the outersole Hi.

There are constructions of shoes which require sewing operations so close to the longitudinal springs l8 and 19 of the arch that sometimes. it becomes desirable toprovide for the mounting of the springs l8 and is closer to the longitudinal axis of the shoe, as shown more particularly in Figs. 14-17. To provide for such contingencies I may form the original sheet metal punching with spaced rivet holes at 38 and 39 in the'metatarsal supporting area I511, and 4!] and 4! in the calcaneus supporting area Ilia. Where springs 18 and 19 are too close to the welt of the shoe-in certain types of shoes to permit a proper sewing operation with the spring strips 18 and. I9 supported byrivets 2E) and 2| passing through apertures 39 and 4! in the arch support, the strips I8 and Mean be moved inwardly and supported byrivets 2a and 25 passing through apertures 38 andfifl in the arch support, as shown more clearly in Figs. 14 and 15. The laterally extending spring strip member 22 is arranged in a mannersimilar to .thestructure heretofore de- The same type of slidable con-,

scribed whre rivet 23*, fastening-stri 22, fastens to rivet aperture- 42 inthe plate portion l-2 of the arch support.

There are occasions where the semi-rigidp'late 2" of the arch support'and themetatarsal supporting portion it which connects therewith may be further reinforcedor strengthened. This maybe accomplished as illustrated in Fig:- 18 by curving the downstruck rib it into a path which continues into the metatarsal supporting portion l as represented stars.- In this way,

1 both a lateral and a longitudinal" reinforcement is applied to the metatarsal supporting portion [5 and to the intermediate portion of plate l2 which connects with metatarsal supporting por-- tion 15.

I have illustrated in Figs. 19-29 the applies.- tion of a metatarsal supportingmember 4t added to the metatarsal supporting portion of the arch support of my invention. The metatarsal supporting portion M is shown moreclea'rly in Figs. 24 29 from which it will be observed that the support "is cardioi'd' sh'aped and is pressed upwardly to provide a vertically projecting'support for the metatarsal portion of the foot. The,

cardidid-shaped metatarsal supporting portion 44 has a maximum altitude at substantially the center of the metatarsal 1' from which it gradually tapers tothe-fiat peripheral edgethereof of substantially cardioid-shaped contour sented at 44a in Fig. 25 and. which rests directly upon the metatarsal supporting portion l5 of the arch support, as represented more clearly in Fig. The metatarsal supportedis shell-likeand has a hollow interior providing a lightweight;

' reprew modified form of arch support embodying my invention wherein a pair of spring strip members 48 and d9 are arranged in superimposed relation, but their rear ends are pierced merely by rivet holes and not by a slot comparable to the slots I82) and l 9?) in connection with the longitudinally extending springs is and i9 heretofore described. These rivet holes in resilient strips 38 and 49 have a rivet 58 extending therethrough and fastened to the supporting area l 811 of the calcaneus supporting portion it. These rear ends of strips 58 and is are anchored and are not free to slide. However, the forward end of strips t8 and 19 are provided with slots 45:: and tile and provide for the passage of a rivet 5! in the supporting area 15a of the metatarsal supporting portion l5. Strips id and at are yieldable over the pressure of the foot during walking and with the ends fixed at 58 variably slide within limits fixed by slots tea and tea in the forward ends of the strips to which rivet 5i extends. The transverse spring strip 22 supports the spring strips 38 and 49 at the juncture of the astragalus 3 and the scaphoid 5 as heretofore explained in connection with the other forms of the arch supports of my invention.

I have found the structure as set forth herein -10 highly" practica and-i successrui'm operation; and while I Have'described my invention certain preferred embodiments I realize that modificatio'n'sf-ma'y bef-made and I desire that it be understood that no limitations upon my invention are intended other than may be imposed by the stone of the appended claims. ,What I claimas new and desire to' secure by Letters Patent of the United States is as follows:

1. A device" of the class described comprising a metallic strip having an enlarged portion projecting at one side of each endthereof leaving a gap" therebetween and spring strip members extending longitudinally across said enlarged portions, and means supporting said spring strip member's" intermediatethe ends thereof supported by said metallic strip. U

2-. A device of the class described comprising a' metallic strip having" an enlarged portion projecting at one sideo'f' each end thereof leaving a gap therebetween" and spring strip members extending longitudinally across said enlarged portions, and a spring" strip member projecting laterally from said metallic strip toa position beneath said spring strip. members intermediate the end support's' thereof. I

."A"device of the class described comprising a metallic strip having an enlargedportion proje'c'tin'g" at oneside' of each end thereof leaving a, gaptherebetvveii and spring strip members extending longiflidinallya'cross said enlarged portions, and a transversely ,arranged spring strip connected With'said metallic strip and constituting. a support for, said spring" strip members intermediate'theend supports thereof. v

4. An arch support comprising an elongated metallic member having a heel supporting portion projecting from the side of one end thereof and a sole supporting portion projecting from the same side of the other end thereof, a spring member supported between the said side projecting portions and a transversely extending member connected with said elongated metallic member and extending beneath and supporting said spring member.

5. A device of the class described comprising a metallic strip having an elongated metallic portion, an enlarged portion projecting at one side of each end thereof leaving a gap therebetween, a, pair of fiat spring strip members extending longitudinally across said enlarged portions in alignment with the other side projecting portion, and a transverse spring member extending substantially normal to the aforesaid flat spring members and extending therebetween, and fastening means for securing said transverse spring member to said elongated metallic portion.

6. In a device of the class described comprising a metallic strip having an enlarged portion projecting at one side of each end thereof and leaving a gap therebetween, a reinforcing rib extending longitudinally of said metallic strip and providing a flat ledge on each side thereof, a pair of spring strip members yieldably supported at opposite ends on the enlarged portions of said metallic strip and a transversely extending spring strip having its free end extending beneath said spring strip members, said transversely extending spring strip being secured to one ledge of said metallic strip and extending adjacent the other ledge of said strip across said reinforcing rib and supporting said spring strip members intermediate the ends supported by said metallic strip.

'7. In a device of the class described comprising a metallic strip having an enlarged portion pro- ,anraseo jecting at one side of each end thereof and leaving a gap therebetween, a reinforcing-rib extending longitudinally of said metallic strip and providing a flat ledge on each side thereof, a

pair of spring strip members yieldably supported at opposite ends on the enlarged portions of said metallic strip and a transversely extending spring strip having its free end extending beneath said spring strip members, said transversely extending spring strip being secured to one ledge of said ing the support of the foot comprising a metallic.

plate member having a calcaneus supporting portion projecting from the side of one end thereof and a metatarsal supporting portion projecting from the side of the other end thereof and in alignment with said calcaneus supporting portion, said metallic plate having a downstruck reinforcement rib therein extending between said calcaneus and metatarsal supporting portions, a pair of longitudinally extending spring members yieldably connected at opposite ends to said calcaneus and metatarsal supporting portions, and a transverse metallic strip connected with said plate intermediate said calcaneus and metatarsal supporting portions and projecting beneath said longitudinally extending members in a position Number substantially between the astragalus and scaphoid bones of the foot for yieldably reinforcing said spring strips.

9. A device of the class described for facilitating the support of the foot comprising a metallic plate member having a caloaneus supporting portion projecting from the side of one end thereof and a metatarsal supporting portion projecting from the side of the other end thereof and in alignment with said calcaneus supporting portion, said metallic plate having a downstruck reinforcement rib therein extending between said calcaneus and metatarsal supporting portions, a pair of longitudinally extending spring members yieldably connected at opposite ends to said calcaneus and metatarsal supporting portions, and a transverse metallic strip connected with said plate intermediate said calcaneus and metatarsal supporting portions and projecting beneath said longitudinally extending members in a position substantially between the astragalus and scaphoid bones of the foot for yieldably reinforcing said spring strips, said reinforcement rib being curved from said plate into said metatarsal supporting portion.

JAMES E. LUDLAM.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

' UNITED STATES PATENTS Name Date 1,583,685 Grant May 4, 1926 

